How many glasses of celery juice should I drink daily?

Celery juice has become an increasingly popular health trend in recent years. Proponents claim it provides a wide range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to aiding digestion and even helping with chronic illnesses. But how much celery juice should you actually drink to reap these benefits? Here’s a comprehensive look at the recommended daily intake of celery juice, the potential benefits and side effects, and tips for incorporating it into your diet.

The Celery Juice Trend

Drinking pure celery juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning has been touted as a “miracle morning drink” by celebrities and influencers. This trend seems to have been sparked largely by Anthony William, author of the book “Medical Medium Celery Juice: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time Healing Millions Worldwide.” He claims that celery juice has incredible self-healing properties and can help treat chronic and mystery illnesses by reducing inflammation, nourishing the body, and restoring balance.

However, many of these bold claims lack scientific research to back them up. That said, there are some studies suggesting celery juice may offer certain benefits, which will be explored more below.

Recommended Daily Intake

There are currently no established official recommendations for how much celery juice to drink daily. However, popular advice among celery juice proponents includes:

• 16 ounces (2 cups or 500ml) per day – This seems to be the most commonly recommended amount in the celery juicing community.
• As much as you can tolerate – Some people suggest working up to drinking 16 ounces or more per day.
• On an empty stomach before eating/drinking anything else – It’s commonly advised to drink celery juice first thing in the morning or at least 15-30 minutes before eating.

Starting off with a smaller amount like 4-8 ounces (1-2 cups or 120-240ml) and gradually increasing over time may allow your body to adjust. Pay attention to how you feel, and cut back if you experience issues like diarrhea, gas or bloating.

Potential Benefits

What does the science actually say about the proposed benefits of celery juice? Here’s what the current research suggests:

Nutrition

Celery juice is low in calories, carbs, fat and protein. It contains some vitamin K, folate, potassium and antioxidant polyphenols. However, it’s not a significant source of other vitamins, minerals or fiber.

Nutrient	16 fl oz (472ml) Celery Juice	% Daily Value
Calories	60	3%
Total Carbohydrate	13 g	5%
Protein	1 g	2%
Vitamin K	58 mcg	48%
Folate	36 mcg	9%
Potassium	300 mg	7%

Hydration

Drinking celery juice can help increase your fluid intake and prevent dehydration. The high water content provides hydration, which is important for digestion, circulation and overall health.

Detoxification

Some claim that celery juice helps remove toxins from the body through its purported “detoxifying” properties. However, the body already efficiently detoxifies itself through the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

That said, staying well hydrated and eating a diet high in antioxidants may support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Digestion and Gut Health

Celery juice is rich in water and electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which could help soften stools and prevent constipation. The juice also contains polysaccharides that may act as prebiotics by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.

One test-tube study found a celery extract stimulated the growth of some types of bacteria found in the stomach and intestines. However, human studies are still needed.

Inflammation

Celery contains antioxidants called flavones, which have anti-inflammatory properties in test-tube studies. However, human studies have not observed a clear benefit.

Keep in mind that inflammation serves important functions in the body, like protecting against infection. Long-term suppression of inflammation could have negative effects.

Blood Pressure

The electrolytes in celery juice may help regulate blood pressure. Sodium helps retain water in the blood vessels and increases blood volume. Potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium by relaxing blood vessels.

However, more human research on celery juice itself is needed.

Cancer

Certain compounds in celery have shown anti-cancer effects in test-tube studies. However, human studies are lacking.

While celery juice is unlikely to cure cancer, a healthy, vegetable-rich diet may reduce overall cancer risk.

Other Purported Benefits

Some other alleged benefits of celery juice not strongly supported by science include:

• Weight loss
• Increased energy
• Lower cholesterol
• Healthier skin and hair
• Joint pain relief
• Treating autoimmune conditions, digestive disorders and chronic illnesses

More research is needed before celery juice can be recommended as an effective treatment for these conditions.

Potential Side Effects

Celery is considered very safe for most people. However, like most foods, it may cause negative effects in some individuals.

Potential side effects may include:

• Allergic reactions – Celery allergies are estimated to affect about 1% of people. Reactions can range from mild symptoms to potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
• Photosensitivity – Celery contains psoralens, compounds that can make the skin more sensitive to UV light. Wear sunscreen if consuming large amounts.
• GI issues – Some complain celery juice causes stomach pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea, likely due to its high insoluble fiber content.
• Kidney problems – Consuming celery seed extracts may cause kidney issues for some individuals due to their high sodium content.
• Medication interactions – Consult your healthcare provider before consuming large amounts, as celery juice may interact with certain medications.
• Pesticide exposure – Celery crops tend to be heavily sprayed with pesticides. Consider buying organic.

How to Incorporate Celery Juice

Here are some tips for adding celery juice to your routine:

Start slowly

Drink a small amount at first like 4–8 ounces (120–240ml) to allow your body to adapt and reduce potential side effects.

Drink on an empty stomach

For optimal digestion, try drinking it first thing in the morning or at least 15–30 minutes before eating.

Use fresh celery stalks

Juice fresh, trimmed celery stalks with a juicer or blender to maximize nutrients.

Wash thoroughly

Rinse stalks well since celery tends to contain high pesticide residues.

Store properly

Drink celery juice immediately, as nutrients degrade quickly when exposed to air and light. If saving some, store tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Pair with lemon or ginger

Add a squeeze of lemon to help cut the bitter taste. You can also add a chunk of fresh ginger.

Don’t rely on it as a meal replacement

While providing some nutrients, celery juice lacks protein, fat and many other important vitamins and minerals found in whole foods.

Make sure to also eat a balanced diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits, proteins, healthy fats, whole grains and dairy or fortified nondairy alternatives if you exclude dairy.

The Bottom Line

Up to 16 ounces (2 cups or 500 ml) of fresh celery juice per day seems to be commonly recommended among juicing enthusiasts. It’s believed to be most beneficial on an empty stomach before eating or drinking anything else.

Research on celery juice itself is limited. Based on the current evidence, celery juice may provide hydration, certain antioxidants and electrolytes. It may also have modest benefits for digestion, inflammation and blood pressure.

However, many other proposed benefits lack solid scientific proof, and more human studies are needed. Celery juice is not a cure-all or replacement for medical treatments.

When consumed in normal food amounts, celery is likely very safe for most people. But drink slowly and cautiously to minimize potential digestive issues. Also be cautious of dangerous side effects in those with celery allergies.

While celery juice can be a healthful addition to your diet when consumed regularly in moderate amounts, it should not replace eating whole vegetables and fruits as part of a balanced nutrition plan.